miniDSP SHD : The Final Bit

[Sonnie Parker]

SHD

All in One Streaming preamplifier with Dirac Live® Digital Room Correction, Volumio Network streamer, Audiophile 32bit converters, 450MHz Sharc DSP processor, DSP toolbox for subwoofer or multiway speaker

www.minidsp.com

There is really not much else out there that can do what this does with digital crossovers, timing, 10 PEQ filters per channel, Dirac Live, and a streamer (I'll be using it for Roon).

• Processor: 32-bit floating-point 450MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
• 32bit Audiophile converters: AK5574 / AK4490EQ
• Inputs: Stereo digital (USB Audio/AES-EBU/SPDIF/Optical), stereo analog (Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA)
• Outputs: 4 x digital (SPDIF out), 4 x analog out (Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA)

In my quest to assemble a reasonably priced, perhaps quasi-high-end two-channel setup, the miniDSP SHD is the final piece of the system, which will pair with my Benchmark AHB2 amps and the MartinLogan 15A's. I've been a miniDSP fan for years... several UMIKs, a DDRC-88BM, and a couple of C-DSP 8x12 DL processors are still hanging out with me. The SHD is truly a remarkable "all-in-one" product with nearly everything you could wish for in a preamp/processor. If I could add HT Bypass and a 12-volt trigger, it would literally be perfect (for me). But there are ways to work around those very minor quibbles.

I purchased this unit and had it shipped directly to Amir at AudioScienceReview for a re-test: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...sp-shd-review-updated-dsp-dac-streamer.18681/ ... and it comes highly recommended with remarkable test results.

It is now on its way to me. I'm anxious to give it an opportunity in my system. I can't think of anything that will be interfering with one of the cleanest unaltered signals from my Roon ROCK NUC to my ears, other than maybe my ears.

 

[JStewart]

It will be super interesting if you get a chance to share some of your Audiolense experience too!!
I see they've moved their forum to AVNirvana. Awesome!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

It will be super interesting if you get a chance to share some of your Audiolense experience too!!
I see they've moved their forum to AVNirvana. Awesome!

Yep... looking forward to having them around and giving their software a spin in the new setup.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Got the SHD connected and Roon playing with no issues... easy enough thus far. Still have to run Dirac and Audiolense. Gonna run Dirac temporarily then do the Audiolense setup once I get my new recliner.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I was also able to enable it, although it does show Uncertified even if it doesn't affect anything.

 

[Flak]

The miniDSP SHD at work... Dom Brown in his studio at his home during the lockdown.
Dom Brown, lead guitarist for Duran Duran, has performed live or in-studio with artists and producers from Duran Duran to Mark Ronson, and Justin Timberlake to Liam Gallagher of the rock band Oasis.

 

[Mike-48]

So, Sonnie . . . how are you enjoying the SHD, now that it's in your system? Are you using Dirac, and are you using subs with it? Do you think the SHD works well with the Benchmark amps?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

So, Sonnie . . . how are you enjoying the SHD, now that it's in your system? Are you using Dirac, and are you using subs with it? Do you think the SHD works well with the Benchmark amps?

I'm diggin' it fairly well thus far. I use the 4x SB16-Ultra subs with it... and I am using Dirac right this minute until I can get a chance to get some new measurements for Mitch at Accurate, so that he can set me up some new filters to try. I prefer the 2.0 Dirac in it over the DLBC that is in my HTP-1 for theater. It seems the subs actually integrate better because they are part of the same channel in the 2.0 mode. Dirac does not try to normalize them to the mains. I already have the levels and timing set, so I prefer Dirac not mess with it, which it does in the HTP-1, but does not in the SHD.

The SHD and Benchmarks work fine together, although I am now using Sanders Magtech amps right now for the 15A's. I was pushing the AHB2's to the limit with the 15A's and I prefer a little more headroom, so the AHB2's will be up for sale soon.

 

[Exponential]

I've just bought the minidsp SHD based off the new measurements on ASR.
I will be pairing it with a set of Genelec 8341's with GLM and a pair of 12" subwoofers.

I've always had a passive system so to go to an active set up is going to be a new experience so I'm hoping the SHD will not disappoint!

I'll keep an eye on this thread for any info.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I've just bought the minidsp SHD based off the new measurements on ASR.
I will be pairing it with a set of Genelec 8341's with GLM and a pair of 12" subwoofers.

I've always had a passive system so to go to an active set up is going to be a new experience so I'm hoping the SHD will not disappoint!

I'll keep an eye on this thread for any info.

Congratulations! I'm thinking you'll be pleased with it. Looking forward to your impressions as it compares functionally to your Anthem STR.

 

[Exponential]

Congratulations! I'm thinking you'll be pleased with it. Looking forward to your impressions as it compares functionally to your Anthem STR.

Thank you!

I think it will beat the Anthem hands down! Not just on a price perspective but functionality. I feel I bought the Anthem on a whim (and I'm no rich guy believe me).

Going from passive to active is a massive change for me and I truly believe the SHD will be the hook that holds the chain together.

I'm using a 2x4HD at the moment so I'm familiar with how the minidsp works especially in conjunction with REW so I'm excited to unpack it all and get it calibrated.

Just need a day without the wife n kids wrecking my measurements!

 

[Exponential]

Once I have the new monitors and SHD set up in a week or two, I'll post back with my thoughts.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The only thing it's missing for me is the HT Bypass, which the STR has, but I'm able to make it work with some duck tape type hillbilly work around.

 

[Exponential]

The only thing it's missing for me is the HT Bypass, which the STR has, but I'm able to make it work with some duck tape type hillbilly work around.

Well I'm in England so I'm not able to help you out but if I lived over in the US, I would send the STR over to you (for a small fee of course)! I think I like the sound of the hillbilly work around!

 

[Altsouza]

Hi,
How did you solve the HT bypass problem?
Thanks
Antônio

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Hi,
How did you solve the HT bypass problem?
Thanks
Antônio

Sorry I missed this.

I ended up using the ARX RS-1 XLR splitter. When the HTP-1 processor is on, the remote trigger is connected to the RS-1 and cause the XLR signal to route from the HTP-1 to the amps. When the HTP-1 is off, the SHD is routed to the amps by default. Works really well.

While I wish the HT Bypass was built-in... there is really nothing on the market that I have found that can match the functionality of the SHD. It is truly remarkable. It has enough outputs for sub preouts in addition to the main speakers, infinite crossover point selection with crossover type for all outputs, 10 PEQ/Shelf (hi/lo) filters per channel, and Dirac Live. And it's a streamer. I just don't know of anything out there that is capable of all of this. I keep thinking some company will catch on, but they keep building the uber expensive door stops that don't have near the features... and I absolutely don't get it.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I am inserting the SHD back into action with the new vinyl system in my main AV room. I just updated the firmware, XMOS, and Device Control software, which was just recently released.

A miniDSP ADept is on the way to use as my phono preamp, which will be connected via the optical digital connections from the ADept to the SHD so that I can use Dirac Live. I may end up adding a couple of the SVS Micro subs just for the fun of it.